1860 Base Ball Rules & Customs
Base Ball is a Gentleman's Game:
Matches are conducted to the highest standards of sportsmanship, gentlemanly behavior, courtesy and respect for others.
There is no swearing, spitting, scratching, consumption of alcohol, chewing of tobacco or wagering.
Gentleman shall forebear from commenting on the umpire’s judgement.
Umpire:
Calls foul ticks immediately.
May ask players and cranks for assistance in making calls.
Does not call balls, and may call strikes, if deemed necessary.
Levies fines, on the spot, for ungentlemanly conduct.
In Hurling:
The ball must be hurled underhand, not jerked or thrown.
The ball must be delivered as near as possible over the center of home plate.
A striker is out when:
A batted ball is caught on the fly or on one bound off the ground.
After three swinging or called strikes. Foul ticks are not strikes.
Other Differences:
Players do not wear gloves or other protective equipment.
There is no sliding, leading off or stealing bases.
Players crossing home plate safely must then proceed to the tallykeeper’s table, place one hand on the table, raise the other hand and ask the tallykeeper to please tally his ace for his team.
A runner may not advance if the striker’s ball is caught on the fly. He will be instructed to return to his base and may not be put out.
A runner may advance at his own risk if the striker’s ball is caught on one bound, fair or foul.